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Transition plan for Chapman remains unknown

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- There might be a plan for how the Reds will transition lefty Aroldis Chapman from last year's closer to this year's rotation member, but it wasn't revealed publicly Tuesday, when pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training.

"I've got a preference," said manager Dusty Baker. "It depends on what's best for the player first and what's best for us. Some guys like the workload. We started off Aroldis the same way last year and it benefited him. It's to his benefit to work and use all of his pitches. He was mighty good."

Chapman was a starter in camp last year but injuries to the bullpen forced his switch back to the bullpen, where he eventually became the closer and racked up 38 saves while dazzling with his triple-digit velocity.

Baker realizes Chapman is a hot-button issue for fans and media alike. A fan stopped Chapman in the airport on Monday, when he arrived in Phoenix.

"It's kind of down the list -- do you start him off a little bit or a lot?" Baker said. "Do you sit him like [Stephen] Strasburg? That's the question everybody wants to know."